Study's 26-30
Contents
Study 26
A MEDITATIVE STUDY
John the apostle was abnished to the island of Patmos, which now belongs to Greece, during the reign of the Roman Emoeror Domitian. He wrote the book around AD 95 or 96, following a vision of Jesus Christ and the events which will occur when he comes again to judge the world and take Christians to live with him for ever. The glorified Christ is portrayed in 1:12-16, together with the effect of this meeting upon John. Christ gives John a message for each of seven churches, but all are to take notice of the contents.
YOUR FIRST LOVE Revelation 2:1-7
The church at Ephesus, a major Roman city but now a ruin on the west coast of Turkey, was established by Paul (Acts 19). There was a great temple to the goddess Diana where people were expected to join in the rites of worship which involved immorality and magic. With the church were problems due to false teachers (Nicolaitans).
1. Think about the type of church described in verses 2-4, correct in its beliefs, hard-working and yet without the vital spark of love for Jesus with it started. Use your imagination to build up a picture of this church, its people, its worship, its outreach.
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2. Not down what Jesus says to this church (verse 5) Following from point 1, imagine the various reactions this could have provoked among the members.
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3. What things can cause a church to lose its love for Jesus?
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Pray for yourself and your own church, that your love for Jesus will go on growing
Study 27
Be faithful
Revelation 2:8-11
Smyrna was a beautiful city north of Ephesus, loyal to Rome. Today it is the modern Turkish city of Izmir. Bishop Polycarp died there for his faith, in his eighties, around AD 156-160. When asked to swear 'Caesar is Lord' to save himself from burning, he replied, 'Eighty and six years have I served him, and he never did me an injury: how then can I blaspheme my King and Saviour?
1. Think about the riches which this church had, not silver and gold, but much more precious things.
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2. Consider the comfort which Jesus' words would have given to these people.
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The 'first' death is physical; the 'second' is eternal.
Thank God for his faithfulness to his church and pray that you may be a faithful member of your local church - that you may be loyal to the leadership, pray for its members and actives..
Study 28
Keep the true faith
Revelation 2:12-17
At Pergamum there was a temple to Zeus, Satan's throne (verse 13). With the church were those who held views inconsistent with the teaching of Christ and who compromised, becoming involved with the sexual evils of the temple and buying meat which had been offered to idols. The church neglected to discipline these people.
1. Jesus both commended and condemned this church, which must have presented a very mixed witness. How may outsiders have viewed this group of Christians?
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2. Those who were faithful were promised spiritual refreshment from Christ (hidden manna) and a transformed character (a person's name implies their character to the eastern mind) - verse 17. Consider the generosity of Jesus Christ!
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Pray for yourself and your church that you may be faithful witnesses to the truth of the Christian gospel. Pray for wisdom and strength to resist Satan's attacks - he tries to divide and weaken the church.
Study 29
Steadfast love
Revelation 2:18-29
At Thyatira, a trading city, most church members loved the Lord whole-heartedly. Nonetheless an evil woman in a place of leadership (a prophetess) led some into great immorality, mixing pagan activities with Christian worship.
1.Try to imagine the tensions which must have built up in this church, due to the powerful influence of one person. Consider the reactions of those who held fast to Christ in this situation. Remember - many of the cults started when people followed apparently quite orthodox individuals.
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2.Jesus promises the 'morning star', that is himself, to those who persevere to the end. He also promises authority over the nations. Let your thoughts dwell upon the power which lies in the hands of Jesus Christ and which he will delegate to his people!
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Pray for your church that each member may have the grace to bring harmony and forgiveness in times of tension. Pray that the leaders may show a godly wisdom in discerning the cause of problems and in dealing with them in love.